HANNAH WHELAN || TEXTILES

Rut

Rut is a product of a creatively difficult and challenging time. Where my busy mind and restless hands would find momentary comfort.“Rut” focuses on a technique instead of concept as it provided respite for my jumpy mind. It depicts an abstract expression of trying to combat a creative “Rut” by means of focusing on a repetitive and meditative process of hand stitch.

“Rut” displays inconsequential biomorphic shapes,colors and patterns. As the surface grows my creative “Rut” diminished. Every stitch felt like progress. The plants that burst through the meticulously hand stitched surface holds great significance. They embody the resilience and growth I experienced throughout this process. Plants are just like creative minds, both powerful and complex in nature. I like to look upon this piece as a celebration of creative growth, Overthrowing a frustrating creative struggle.

Barnacles

2017,

Barnacles is a living and functioning series of sculptures that were installed at Gratitude Migration in New Jersey to provide seating and a lounge area for festival goers.

Barnacles consist of two 14ft and three 9ft hand painted cotton that was stitched and transformed into planters and seating that resemble the organic form of barnacles. The paintings were sculpted using sand to and transform the paintings into 3-D functional art. Each piece displays colors that embody the sea with patterns that mimic the movement of the ocean.

Yo- yo & Dub

2017,

Yo-Yo & Dub is a living sculpture that embodies that feeling of displacement with reference to phrase “ The grass is always greener on the other side.”

The intricate handmade sculpture has been created from 150ft hand painted nylon rope that was hand sewn into organic cocoon like planters.

Forget Me Nots

2015,

Forget Me Nots is a project focused on uprooting forgotten photographs of female family members who have passed away.

"I paint flowers so they will not die." Frida Kahlo

Caynon

2017,

Hand sculpted and hand painted foam receptacle.

Foam, acrylic paint

Garden Grid

Radical Receptacles

Radical Receptacles is a unique collection of handcrafted planters. These receptacles are sculpted using leather foam building adhesive, which is both waterproof and durable. The designs and surfaces applied to the material echo the robust form and delicate textures of the pitcher plant.

Fishy Flowers

Peristome Painting

Topsy

2016,

Machine embroidered hessian sack with rubber lining

Propagation House Journal

2015,

Research journal recording a private tour of the propagation houses at The National Botanic Garden's Dublin.

A warm thank you to all the staff at The National Botanic Gardens Dublin for the generous donation of plants to support my ongoing projects. In particular I would like to thank Brendan Sayers and Steven Farley for taking the time to give me a tour of the propagation houses.

Mangrove

2016,

Wool, mesh canvas, nylon lining

Epidermis

2015

Epidermis scientifically refers to a 'single- layered group of cells that cover plants.' (Webster 2015) This protective layer forms a boundary between the plant and the external environment

Epidermis consists of an array of diverse vessel displaying machine and hand sewn patterns and forms, mimicking the unusual robust structures and epidermis of mysterious plant species such as Lithops, Carnivorous plants and other abnormal species. Each ‘Epidermis’ will contain edible and non-edible unfertilized seeds such as herbs, grass, cress and other effortless growing plants, which will shoot up through the meticulous designs, and porous up-cycled materials such as; burlap, canvas and nylon mesh with the addition of water. The transient life of the plant invading the manmade designed imagery displays the constant battle between nature and us humans and our desire to constantly control it.

Each vessel can be utilized as a piece of dormant art within a home until water is applied, from here the interactive design encourages play and a hands on learning experience for children (5+) making the journey of growth exciting and new.

Rubber Lover

2015,

Hand stitched monochrome surface encased by a vintage Continental rubber product that was scavenged from a Dublin flea market.